In continuing our study of the story of the ten lepers who cried out to Jesus for healing, it’s interesting to note that He bid them embark on a journey in order to see their miracle manifest. Though He often touched someone — or even spoke a word — and restoration happened immediately, this time it was different. Rather than instantaneously changing their circumstances, He instructed them to go and show themselves to the priest, who happened to be in Jerusalem. Since they were near Samaria at the time, it would have been a three or four day walk from where they were to get to the temple. And while they could have come up with any number of reasons why they shouldn’t make the trip, they started moving with the faith that they would be made well as they went. Even today, we can glean a powerful truth from this account — one that offers us great encouragement as we await answers to our prayers. While the Lord certainly does heal miraculously, more often than not, He takes us on a journey, and it’s gradual. Little by little, He strengthens us, and moment-by-moment, He restores our bodies and mends our broken hearts. Though this drawn-out process can cause us to lose sight of our progress, we can live with a divine confidence that He is constantly bringing us closer to wholeness.

My friend, your Savior is healing you every minute of every day, regardless of whether or not you can see it. If you’ve committed your pain and brokenness to Him, He is working in all that you go through to make you well. Though it’s easy to forget how far you’ve come, He invites you to step back and give Him praise for being with you on the journey. Nothing can stop His perfect will, and no matter how little evidence you perceive, He is making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland — all He asks is that you keep trusting Him to bring it to pass.